Concerning the proposed takeover of the East Oxford Community Centre

Concerning the proposed takeover of the East Oxford Community Centre by the City Council, Councillor Dick Wolff (Green Party, St Marys Ward) commented on behalf of the City Council Green Group:

"Whilst we recognise there have been significant problems with the management of East Oxford Community Centre by the Community Association as currently configured, Green Party councillors are not happy at the proposed transfer of control to City Council officers. We wish to see the Centre managed locally, with transparency and accountability to all members of the local community.

"Current tenancy and management arrangements, coupled with mutual suspicion about hidden agendas, have militated against the long-term development of the centre, created confusion and not encouraged a sense of accountability and transparency.

We call for the appointment of an independent arbitrator who can investigate the underlying problems impartially and propose a way forward that is acceptable both to the local community and the Council."